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Girl, 12, with an IQ higher than Einstein is crowned Britain’s brightest youngster after smashing the competition in front of her adoring Sri Lankan parents – and viewers are left in awe following her ‘feminist’ acceptance speech

Nsihi Uggalle, 12, from Manchester, was crowned Britain’s brightest child on Channel 4’s Child Genius. Her father Neelanga works in IT security and her mother Shiromi is an accountant.

Series saw Britain’s brightest youngsters compete to be named cleverest child

Explained she was keen to dispel stereotypes that girls are not good at maths

Viewers were ‘gobsmacked’ as she correctly spelled the word neurohypophysis

A 12-year-old girl with an IQ higher than Einstein was crowned the winner of Channel 4’s Child Genius 2019 on Saturday after impressing with her exceptional spelling.

Dubbed the ‘human calculator,’ Nishi Uggalle, from Manchester, who attends a top grammar school, correctly spelled the word neurohypophysis to run away with the title.

Her Sri Lankan parents Neelanga Uggalle, who works in IT security and is a Vice President in Barclays Bank, and her mother Shiromi Jayasinghe who works as an accountant, watched on from the audience.

The Stephen Hawking superfan inspired viewers with her feminist attitude, and used her acceptance speech to celebrate women in science, technology, engineering and mathematic subjects.

‘I was clapping when Nishi won,’ enthused one viewer. ‘So deserved, self-motivated and excellent,’ while another added: ‘I sat gobsmacked watching Nishi on Child Genius. She was wonderful. Well done to her.’

Nishi Uggalle, 12, from Manchester, was crowned Britain’s brightest child last night and widely praised for her acceptance speech, in which she said she wanted to prove girls could do mathematics

She ‘gobsmacked’ viewers as she went head-to-head with fellow competitor William, 11 in a lightning buzzer round

Viewers said the Stephen Hawking was ‘wonderful’ and ‘magic’, after she took the Child Genius trophy

In the first round of the final last night, Nishi achieved an incredible score of 16 out of 20, and flew through to the head-to-head nail-biting finale.

Cheered on by her parents, she competed against 11-year-old William Harwood.

It featured a quick fire buzzer round which included questions across an array of topics including science, mathematics and spelling.

While her competitor’s were behind on a score of five, Nishi reached the vital 10 point-mark first by spelling the word neurohypophysis – meaning she was crowned this year’s Child Genius.

Nishi stunned viewers with her ‘human calculator’ style and lifted the trophy after dominating the final round of the competition

The Child Genius winner was cheered on through each stage by her Sri Lankan parents. Neelanga Uggalle (left) works in IT security and is a Vice President in Barclays Bank, while her mother Shiromi Jayasinghe works as an accountant

Pictured, 12-year-old Nishi constantly surprises her father Neelanga Uggalle with her knowledge. Above, she can be seen teaching him the theory of quantum physics

And she followed her win with an inspiring acceptance speech that touched heart’s across the nation. Explaining her reason for entering the intelligence competition, the genius told the audience:

‘It’s been really incredible and William put up an incredible fight. One of the main reasons I entered myself in the competition was to show that there are a lot of stereotypes about girls not being able to do maths or physics for example,’ she began. ‘I’d like to show that that’s not true at all.

And viewers were stunned by the little girl’s attitude. ‘You’re a star and inspiration to all young girls!’ one commended the youngster. ‘Some of the other contestants could have learned from your humanity.’

Hundreds of children applied from across the UK, with a total of 19 appearing across the Channel 4 programme.

When Nishi initially put herself forward for the competition, her parents admitted: ‘I don’t think we call ourselves pushy parents simply because I think Nishi is the pushy one.’

But the determined youngster declared: ‘I’m going to show girls they can win things and do anything they want to,’ the young girl said as she started the process.

And she did just that as the well-deserved praise for the 12-year-old continued late into the evening.

‘Awesome Nishi – well done – and a really positive message about women in STEM in your acceptance speech’ penned one, while another wrote:

‘Nishi is a star, doing it for the northerners and the girls and doing it off her own back. It was so refreshing to see her passion for physics. What a future she has ahead of her.’

The contest, open to children aged from eight to 12, has aired every night this week, culminating in the grand final with competitors challenged on spelling, maths, memory, vocabulary, geography and science.

“I WISH YOU WELL” – By Des Kelly

Anyone who has heard about Raul Malo & his backing group “Mavericks” will probably immediately imagine up-tempo music that sets feet tapping, dancing in the aisles, etc., etc., and you wouldn’t be too far wrong, folks, these guys, with Raul as a great “front-man” are a group of superb musicians who know the real meaning of the word “entertainment”, just take a simple song with lyrics that say,

“You’re damned if you do, and damned if you don’t,

damned if you will and damned if you won’t”, these Mavericks perform them with such gusto, it makes you want to listen to the song over & over again.

Most of the songs, fast, slow or in-between, performed by this wonderful group are Commercial to the extreme.

Three or four chords, many with just TWO Major or Minor Chords, make the songs very easy to remember. It’s not the Chords that matter, folks, it is the style in which good Musicians PLAY them, the “feeling” that is incorporated in the hands of truly professional “Masters of Music” that matter.

I have just been listening to one of their Albums entitled “Brand New Day”. It convinces me, that no matter what is happening in the World around us,there is NOTHING like Good Music that can help someone like me, to tide-over the frequent bad or sad news that seems to inundate our lives nowadays. I certainly hope that my readers feel the same.

Life goes on, regardless. All the money, power & privileges that engulf some of us, some of the time, (hopefully), still does NOT compare with being able to enjoy good Music.

We must not forget this famous quote.

“Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak”!. Please enjoy some of the “Musical-Moods of the Mavericks”.

A HISTORY OF HONOURS IN AUSTRALIA – By Harry de Sayrah OAM J.P ( Life Member of the Order of Australia Association)

Each year of Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday come the announcements of the latest appointments to the Order of Australia

Since the Order of Australia was created in February 1975 new awards have been announced on Australia Day in January and on the Queen’s Birthday in June but the tradition of a January honours listed has existed since much earlier. Before 1975 Australians were eligible for British honours which were announced each January and June at New Year and on the King’s or Queen’s official Birthday

The number of Australians honoured increased considerably in the 20th Century after the Order of the British Empire (OBE) was created in 1917 as an instrument for rewarding many people who had contributed to the War effort during WW1. Importantly the new order allowed women to be members

In 1957 Pastor Doug Nicholls was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) perhaps the first appointment of an Indigenous Australian to the Order. Nicholls was later elevated to OBE and in 1972 was the first Aboriginal person appointed Governor of an Australian State

Another longstanding issue in the history of Honours in Australia as in other former British Dominions in Australia was the creation of a unique National award to replace the Imperial one such as OBE

It was’nt until 1975 that the National Honours System took shape. Its key component was the Order of Australia modelled on the Order of Canada (OC) with 3 grades Companion Officer and Member

In the years that followed a dual system operated some States and Federal Governments

Making use of British Honours and others preferring the Australian Awards

After no recommendations were made in 1990 The Queen suggested that Australia abandon Imperial Honours in favour of the Order of Australia. The last list of Imperial Honours were announced in January and June of 1989 although Australians are still eligible for a small number of British Honours which are in the Queen’s personal gift such as the Order of Merit and The Royal Victorian Order

In 2014 another chapter in the history of the Australian Honours system opened. On March 25th the Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced the reinstatement of Knighthoods and Damehoods in the Order of Australia – for many people the announcement was unexpected as they opposed the introduction – This chapter has been abandoned since

Once again, personal memories with regard to the above.This writer was already in the Navy, known then as the Royal Ceylon Navy, working in conjunction with the Government Stores, in an effort to get the Navy’s supplies with the minimum of delay. I was a “Supply Assistant”with the official number E635 (signifying the 635th entrant into the Senior Force), shortly before the very first Royal Ceylon Navy Band was formed. Being a musician myself, I could have quite easily joined the Band, but decided that the job I already had was one that suited me fine.

Anyway, I had many friends in the Band as well, George Burdette (Saxophonist) & George Van Cuylenberg R.I.P., who was especially chosen as the Drum Major for the band. He certainly looked the part. Tall, handsome, and handling the “Mace” as though it was a toothpick.

The “article” was a very well written one by Chief Petty Officer Fonseka and eLanka is also grateful for this nteresting “story” via the Sunday Island Newspaper in Lanka. Thank you for the memories.

My memory goes back to February 2, 1956 the day 23, of us were signed on with the Royal Ceylon Navy (as it was known then) as trainee musicians with the emphasis on establishing a permanent band. According to knowledgeable sources this was the brainchild of the late Rear Admiral Royce de Mel, Captain of the Navy at the time. Routine work finalized we were drafted to RCYN (Royal Ceylon Yeoman’s Navy) Rangala, the Naval base that was located at Diyatalawa for our relevant training.

The moment we set foot on this soil, the instructors at Rangala lost no time in taking charge of us and our Naval basic training commenced right on schedule. After a hectic and interesting period of three months we successfully passed out as recruits to the relief of all concerned.

Thereafter 10 other sailors from the seamen branch who had opted to change their branch also joined us as band trainees. Altogether we were placed at the disposal of the two lecturers from the Royal Marine School of Music in the United Kingdom, who had already joined the staff at Rangala to fulfill their assignment with the Royal Ceylon Navy. In overall command was Band Master J H Reynolds, training of the buglers, drummers and bag pipers came under the purview of Bugle Major E. G. Close guiding us on various drill movements and the selection and the selection of a suitable candidate as the prospective Drum Major was also vested with Bugle Major Close. The eagle eyes of Major Close spotted in trainee musician G. V. E. Vancuylenburg as a Drum Major in the making and promptly selected him for the post.

All on board the ship set sail on its maiden voyage with Reynolds as Captain and Reic Close as Navigating Officer. Initially it was familiarization methods of blowing and maintenance of musical instruments. Thereafter we learned theory of music. Once we were thorough with all these, the allocation of instruments which by then had arrived from the United Kingdom was completed. We were first made to blow single long notes. Gradually we were trained to play scales, Arpeggio movements and simple tunes.

Our practices were conducted in the open air under the Cyprus trees. By this time the misty atmosphere in and around the entire base was filled with the menacing sounds produced by the brass instruments and the drums.This may have caused a headache to some and a welcome change for others. Undeterred, we continued with our practices. Two months later we were able to play the March on The Quarter Deck most appropriately selected by Band Master Reynolds and parade up and down the training ground as a band to the amusement of all around us. Our gritty determination, enthusiasm and quest to learn more bettered our playing standard and within one and a half years were able to perform like mature artists.

The confidence of both Reynolds and Major Close had in us increased further when they found that we had gained control of our instruments and were playing with much more authority. Immediately Jim and Eric (as they were so fondly known) took steps to teach us the advanced techniques of playing and soon we were performing like maestros. A happy and contented Reynolds who by then had the trumps in his hands was prepared to place before the Navy a fully fledged Band. The next thing we knew was that Band Master Reynolds had flashed the green light to Naval Headquarters. Before long we were back in Colombo ready to deliver the goods.

Accomodation was found for us in a building facing the sea along Marine Drive(now Chaithiya Road) in close proximity to NHQ and there we settled down. Then plans got under way to present our inaugural public performance.

One morning on a working day the Ceremonial Band dressed in blue drill order mustered opposite the Baur’s Flats spearheaded by Bandmaster Reynolds and flanked on either sides by Bugle Major E. G. Close and Drum Major G.V.E. Vancuylenburg elegantly attired in their respective uniforms. After a customary inspection of the band, Bugle Major Eric Close executed the word of command “forward march.” Immediately we got off to a thunderous start to the roaring sounds of the drums and playing martial music marched along the streets of Colombo Fort taking everyone by surprise. Pandemonium prevailed in the heart of town. Traffic came to a sudden halt as the enthusiastic public crowded on either side of the roads to get a glimpse of what was going on.

Unperturbed we kept on marching blowing our hearts out to the continuous applause of the masses. All eyes were on both Major Close and Drum Major Vancuylenburg who kept the crowd spellbound by their fantastic artistry with the Maces they were carrying with them. Finally we ended our triumphant route march at Naval Headquarters to the strains of the Band playing the ever popular march “Colonel Bogey on Parade”

NB: CPO R. J. C. Fonseka a fine musician passed away a few years ago but up to the age of 90. He never forgot his music and remembered many verses to songs and music taught to him from those times. He and George Vancuylenburg remained close friends to the end.

South Africa bounce back in the first onedayer as the Lankans discover the good, thebad and the ugly.

BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.

Sri Lanka can celebrate the good, the bad and the ugly since their fantastic Test series win over South Africa after a dismal batting performance gave the home team a morale boosting effortless win in the first one-dayer in Johannesburg.

That Test success appears to be quickly fading into a distant memory unless the plucky Lankans can discover a winning combination to be competitive in the four games ahead.

The good was the discovery of a brilliant new talent in debutant Oshada Fernando who followed his Test series heroics with a masterly 49 before being unfortunately run out. His stroke play and cool , calm confidence overshadowed many of the more experienced campaigners in the squad as he deftly handled the South African attack smacking them to all parts in his entertaining knock. He is certainly a player to watch over the years.

The bad was the batting which recovered from the quick exits of Niroshan Dickwella and Upul Tharanga to irrational shot selection and then going on to 195 for 5 in 36.2 overs before they folded to a measly 231 in 47 overs which was almost unforgivable. Only three batsmen, Oshada Fernando (49), Kusal Mendis (60), and Dhananjaya de Silva (39), made score worth a mention as the others looked lost at seaon a track that seemed to have no terrors.

A score of 231 always suggested that the game would not go the distance as South African Skipper Faf du Plessis 112 off 114 balls and Quentin De Kok 81 off 72 balls raced to the target with more than 11 overs remaining

The ugly was the evidence of the spat between skipper Lasith Malinga and experienced Thisara Perera appeared not over and done with. Perera who is capable of turning a game on its head with his incredible talent appeared listless while batting with Malinga and the shot he offered to get out looked like fielding practice to David Miller at short cover. This, when the team urgently needed an injection of runs to lift them from a domino effect as wickets fell around him in quick succession.

The fact that they did not bat out their allotted overs is a disturbing statistic which needs to be addressed by the coaching staff. It appears to suggest that there is a lack of genuine all-rounders in the squad or the selection process needs some tampering.

As they move to Centurion for game two it is hoped that they will show the qualities Dimuth Karunaratne’s men displayed and take the series to a competitive level. They certainly don’t lack the talent to beat anyone if they are in the right mindset.

The annual cricket game between Sri Lanka Lions Sports Club & Instant Cricketers for the “Non Benders” shield, which was postponed in 2018, was finally played on Sunday 24th February 2019 at Ollie Webb Reserve, Merrylands, NSW.

The game was played under the usual special rules of 35 overs per team of 13 players but only 11 were allowed to field at any one time, maximum of only five (5) overs per bowler and a Maximum of 30 runs per batsmen.

The Sri Lanka lions (skippered by Gamini Jayawardena) after a slow start (thanks to one of the openers, who happened to be an ex Royal skipper J ) ended up scoring 132 all out in their allotted 35 overs .

Winning team captain Macky Rajakone, accepted the “Non Benders Shield” on behalf of his team from the Guest of Honour Mrs. Kalindi Mudoon.

In conclusion, the hard work put in by both Prassanna Kariyawasam & Macky Rajakone to ensure this postponed social game to be organised & played in such a “friendly” atmosphere was not lost amongst the players from both sides and they unanimously echoed the sentiment that this fixture should continue in years to come.

Photos from the Ceylon Society of Australia – SYDNEY – First General Meeting on Sunday 24th February 2019 + Was Saradiel a Robin Hood or plain criminal? – by member of the audience

Was Saradiel a Robin Hood or plain criminal? – by member of the audienceThat was one of the queries posed by a guest at the Ceylon Society of Australia’s first general meeting for 2019 held on 24 February in Sydney. The guest speaker Mr Thiru Arumugam, who kindly agreed to step in when the advertised speaker was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, chose to talk on Deekirikevage Saradial, better known as the hero of the Utuwan mountain……

“PELL”S APPEAL” – By Des Kelly

Desmond Kelly – ‘the Star of eLanka”

So, after quite a “spell”, a final appeal from the lawyers of Cardinal George Pell will be heard, to determine whether the highest rating “Catholic Cardinal” in Australia IS guilty, (he still denies the charges), and everyone knows that the Legal-System in Australia is a long, drawn out affair, but, after this appeal is heard and if it fails, then Cardinal Pell would possibly be sentenced to a term in prison, a huge “come-down” from the Vatican in Rome, where he was the third top-ranked Official of the Church, and could have possibly ended up as the Pope in a few years time, such was his standing there……………………..

New look Sri Lanka in historic series win over South Africa – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE

One Kusal spelt trouble for South Africa in the first Test but two Kusal’s spelt double trouble as Sri Lanka stunned the hosts and the rest of the cricketing world to pull off a sensational series victory in Port Elizabeth against all odds…………..

Sri Lanka Association – Seniors’ Annual Luncheon & HSC Awards – 2019

SRI LANKA NEWS IN BRIEF – FEBRUARY 2019) – Compiled by Victor Melder

State Finance Minister Eran Wickramaratne, Guest of Honour at the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka ( NCCSL) AGM recently said the political coup of October 26 last year cost the country in excess of 21 billion rupees. Reflecting on current economic developments he said that considering some reparation action taken by the government to correct the position of revenue which was 33 percent of GDP in 2008, this was drastically reduced to 12.6 percent of GDP by 2015..

Photos from the fund raising event in British Midlands UK on 9th February 2019.

This event was a resounding success with a total of 12,504.67 pounds sterling raised to fund the needs of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) sufferers in Sri Lanka. In fact Desmond donated half his fee for the cause.

TO SIR WITH LOVE – Bernard VanCuylenburg

PROLOGUEThe history of any business enterprise will reveal that success was possible due to the will of the entrepreneur, tenacity of purpose, and defiance in the face of any challenges or adversity. Sri Lanka recently lost a doyen of entrepreneurship who strode the business world like the proverbial colossus. His passing leaves a void in the business ranks of the nation, and an even bigger void in the hearts of his family and all who knew and love him. On my shoulders fell the task of writing and delivering a tribute at the memorial Mass held for George Ondaatjie on the 4th February at St.Mary’s Church, Bambalapitiya…………….

The resplendent island; behind the curtain – By Raj Gonsalkorale

Sri Lanka is undoubtedly a beautiful island. Its natural beauty is spellbinding. Its history mesmerising. Its multi ethnic and multi religious culture is mystic and rich. Its people its best assets. The country was rated as the top country for travel in 2019 by Lonely Planet. Those who have not been to Sri Lanka in the last ten years or so would see a remarkable transformation of a country moving well into the 21st century. ……

As all of you are aware, eLanka is Our Special Website, for all Lankan/Aussies, in Australia, plus many thousands of Lankan Patriots everywhere else, in the World.

This Website is also a trophy-winner, with regard to it’s “Content, & Presentation”, we boast more than 20.000 Members at the moment, and for those who wish to join us in Membership, it is as simple as “googling eLanka” and speaking with our eLanka team of S.L.S.eLanka, or Sri Lankan Ship eLanka, as I like to call her.

Membership is free. We take pride in our Weekly Newsletter, it’s “Presentation” is in a Class of it’s own, Advertising of genuine charity-causes are “gratis”, flyers for same are readily accepted and given plenty of publicity, our “Writers” of articles, “Photographers” of various functions, etc., “Sports Analysts”, “Medical-Agenda”, in fact, everything on-line, featured on eLanka, (and this includes “Shop eLanka”), as well, is done purposely, with Members in mind, however, S.L.S.eLanka cannot run on “love & fresh air”, as the saying goes. It does cost money for this Ship to sail smoothly, and this is why it would be greatly appreciated if our present Members & Members-to-be, make a Donation in order to enhance an already superb Website and keep it “alive” globally.

“eLanka, is Sri Lanka’s TOP “on-line” StationYet, to keep it this way, we need a Donation”.

2019 SILVER FAWN CLUB FAMILY CAMP AT LAKE PERSEVERANCE – 854 Perseverance Dam Rd, Crows Nest QLDJOIN IN THE FUN THIS YEAR FOR EASTER IN APRIL 2019

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The Burgher Association of Australia Centre is available for private hire

Burgher Association (Australia)358 Haughton Road, Clayton VIC 3168The Burgher Association of Australia Centre is available for private hire (Dances, Birthday parties,Anniversaries etc). The BAA Centre is located within a short walk from Clayton railway station. The hallis licensed to hold 150 people. Tables and chairs for this number of attendees are provided. There isusually plenty of parking across the road and a few spaces on the property. Disabled access via rampsis available to both the front and rear doors and a disabled parking space is available. There is also a‘horseshoe’ driveway permitting the dropping off of attendees under cover.

Westminster College – Study in Sydney, Australia

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TOP GUN DISCO – DJ’S JOHAN AND RON (Melbourne)

Johan and I provide the best music for any function on the night, with the best variety of music required by the clients.We cater for all Club Functions, Birthdays, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day and Christmas functions and any function that client may require , we are versatile. Additionally we have the best quality powered EV Speakers , mid range and Top , additionally we have special effects lightning and a smoke machine, which provides excellent settings and atmosphere for the occasion.We have many very satisfied customers on our records and can provide references if needed. Should you require more information please feel free to contact by email or my Mobile 0419807486 RonWarm regards, Ron

123 perch land with a 3-story houseSpaces 5-bedroom house with a 123.5 perch land located in Kelaniya100-year-old clean title to the land3 phase electricity / water and telephone connection.Land ideal for residential or commercial purposesTravel– Access to Kandy road, Colombo Katunayake Highway and Negambo road in less than 5 mins– Less than 30 minutes to the Katunayaka airport– 20 minutes to Colombo Fort– Less than 20 minutes to Colombo 7– Road access to heavy vehicles thought Kandy and Negambo road – 5 minute walk to the railway stationContactName: Sanjeewa EdirisingheNumber : +61 430 591 272Email: andi.s.edirisinghe@gmail.com

Catalina – Exclusive “Second Home, Back Home” residential country club

GREAT INVESTMENTin a Teak Plantation at Vanathavilluwa on PuttlamDistrict Sri Lanka

A beautiful Teak Plantation located in Vanathavilluwa on Puttlam District for sale. Its located just 158 Km away from Colombo

TRILLIUM APARTMENT IN COLOMBO 8 FOR SALE

A large fully furnished & tenanted 3 bedroom apartment in the 4th floor of the park wing facing the swimming pool & the children’s park for sale.

– Area: 1,800 Sq Ft (largest size/corner)

– 3 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms

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– Fully Furnished

– Walking distance to British School in Colombo

– Able to sell with or without tenants

Sale Price: Rs. 55 Million (or equivalent in AUD)

Contact – +94 77 1061451/ +94 77 1061328

Email: sale.trillium@gmail.com

Contact eLanka : email: info@eLanka.com.au or call +614 02905275if you like your property to be advertised on eLanka

DONATE to ELANKA

How Great Thou art – by Desmond KellyDigital DownloadOnly $2.50

Only in Sri Lanka – By Gloria MeltzerSale Price $20

My latest book, titled ‘ONLY IN SRI LANKA’, was published by Jojo Publishing in September this year. This story is based on my introduction to Sri Lankan life, its culture & customs, as experienced by my Singhalese daughter-in-law, my Australian son, and my three Aussie/Sri Lankan grandsons. It’s the story of village life, the time of the civil war and the tsunami. It’s the story of coming to terms with losing my family to another culture and another country.

Especially for Youby Desmond Kelly3 CD pack$35 includes free shipping

“Especially for you” my friends & fans everywhere, proudly presented by eLanka & “your’s truly”, a series of CDs featuring songs I have hand-picked from the hundreds I have sung, composed & recorded over all these years. Each “single” CD contains at least 20 songs. Additional ones are just a bonus.

Become part of Australia’s largest Online Sri Lankan community

You can also call Neil on 0402 905 275 (Australia) or +61 402905275 (from overseas) or email: Neil@eLanka.com.au for your advertising enquiries.

World Cup-winning skipper and Minister Arjuna Ranatunga failed to take control of Sri Lanka Cricket, yesterday. Ranatunga, 55, contested for one of two vice-president posts but only came third in voting. His brother, Nishantha, who was nominated as secretary, was also defeated. Ranatunga ally Jayantha Dharmadasa also failed in his bid to become Sri Lanka Cricket president, losing out to Shammi Silva a loyalist of former SLC chief Thilanga Sumathipala, Ranatunga’s arch-rival. Ranatunga, who led Sri Lanka to victory at the 1996 World Cup, had vowed to clean up the board, which the International Cricket Council recently described as the sport’s most corrupt national body. The former skipper had hoped to wrest control of the SLC ahead of the World Cup tournament, which commences in England on May 30. Former SLC chief Sumathipala was in power for more than two years until early 2018 and decided against contesting again. He backed Silva and other candidates opposed to Ranatunga. Ranatunga had promised to “kick out” players he accused of being corrupt. (Daily Island, 22.2.2019)

Cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya has been banned from all cricket for two years after admitting two breaches of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code, the sport’s governing body announced. The 49-year-old — regarded as one of the greatest One Day International batsmen of all time and was pivotal in winning the 1996 World Cup — accepted the punishment. “This conviction under the Code demonstrates the importance of participants in cricket cooperating with investigations,” said Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager of the Anti-Corruption Unit in a statement. “Compelling participants to cooperate under the Code is a vital weapon in our efforts to rid our sport of corruptors. These rules are essential to maintain the integrity of our sport.” Jayasuriya was charged in October after failing to provide his mobile phones to the ACU. He was also accused of obstructing or delaying any investigation into corruption in the game. Jayasuriya in a statement said he had pleaded guilty to the charges expecting a mitigated punishment. “Consequent to correspondence between the ICC ACU officials and my lawyers we agreed to a sanction of a period of ineligibility of two years, which period is to take effect from the 15th of October 2018,” Jayasuriya said. Jayasuriya who also captained the country played 110 Tests, 445 one-day internationals and 31 Twenty20s during his illustrious career between 1989-2011. Sri Lankan cricket has been mired in corruption allegations in recent years, including claims of match fixing ahead of an international Test against England last year. In November, former Sri Lankan fast bowler Dilhara Lokuhettige was suspended for corruption linked to a limited-over league in 2017. Lokuhettige was the third Sri Lankan player charged for violating the ICC’s anti-corruption code, following those levelled against Jayasuriya, and former paceman Nuwan Zoysa. (Daily Island, 27